Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-09-09

manned doubtful because OF lack of
knowledge of how the pus could have
got into the boys system. 1t remained
now to counterfeit he poison and save
the lads life, if possible.
Every effort was made to keep up
the boys strength and to eliminate the
poison from the blood. Warm fomen-
tations were applied to 1.-THE right arm
and side. The pa tents terrible thirst
was quenched by ice and soda water.
Beef tea and other forms of nutrish.
ment were given at short intervals.
Brandy was given to strengthen the
hearts action and opium TO quiet the
pain.
BRIGHT RED SPOTS
Appeared in places on the arm and
side. Other portions Of the skin be-
come paler, indicating that there was
decomposition going on and that soon
there would be liberation. The ulcers
appeared even sooner than had been
anticipated, but the physician was
iOabN III 40 oOOh 40 cAC DuS
localized an incision was immediately
made at the spot and the pus was al
lowed 10 flow out. Then a drainage
tube was put in the wound. Pus form
ed with alarming rapidty. In
three hours twelve missions were
made on the arm below the
elbow, and drain. tubes were insert
ed in each. The pus flowed from the
tubes steadily, but did not decrease in
quantity. Openings were made in
the arm above the elbow as fast as the
discoloration indicated the necessity.
and in eleven hours thirty three tubes
were used. This large number of open
ings gave free vent TO the pus flow.
and the quantity dimin shed. The in
tense heat of the arm was also reduced.
But favorable symptoms were only tenn
porary. The pus tract still kept extend
ing, until the large watery swelling on
the right side of the body seemed to be
little more than reservoir of foul,
malignant pus. The free incisions
were kept up in the locality indicated
on the skin as being the seat of the
poisoning, beginning at point just be-
low the ribs. The missions were not
extended through the abdominal wall
as it was not believed that there was any
discharge into the abdominal space,
because of the absence of peritonitis.
Usually in pus formation the pus will
burrow through the muscles, and will
find vent at the lowest portion of the
diseased tissues. but in this case it
would not The incsions had TO be
made all over the chest, side and back,
until in all there were seventy-four
drainage tubes.
STICKING INTO THE FLESH.
There was little hope of saving the
boys life because of the great tax on
his vitality, but there was youth in his
favor and the best possible care. The
patient was watched every moment A
physician specially detailed for the pur-
pose sat at his side and reported to DR..
Darling even the slightest change in
his condition or symptoms,
The system of drains fortunately
took away the pus faster than it form
ed. This gave the life principle an OPP
portunty to assert itself in the diseased
tissue. The result was that the tissue
slowly dried and assumed compare
lively normal condition. Nature had
terrific struggle, and came out ahead.
The bad symptoms Of the disease grad
ually abated. The patient was left
greatly reduced and Frustrated. But
science had triumphed. TONES and n
liberal diet slowly built up the boy
strength unit ! he stood again on safe
ground. He is not yet thoroughly well.
although il is some months since he
was bitten. Abcesses are still form
ing. but their number is decreasing,
and the flow of pus is less and less As
he grows stronger all the pus will have
been driven from his body. 1t may
take year to effect his full recovery.
but he is safely out Of danger. When
IL is considered what a grip death had
on him. the case is remarkable for its
su ccessful termination.